Post by Ex_Nuke_Troop on Feb 27, 2014 10:13:54 GMT
Department of Energy Carlsbad Field Office
Department of Energy
Carlsbad Field Office
P. O. Box 3090
Carlsbad, New Mexico 88221
February 26, 2014
To Eddy and Lea County Residents:
This morning (February26), the 13 Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) employees that were on site
the evening of February 14 were notified that they have tested positive for radiological
contamination. Employees were notified within about 12 hours of the receipt of preliminary sample
results.
At the time of the event, these employees were performing above ground operations, and federal
oversight duties at the WIPP facility. Nuclear Waste Partnership, LLC,the site contractor, requested
that all workers on site the night of the event submit follow-up bioassay samples as they were
considered more likely to have indications of potential exposure.Additional samples will be
collected from these employees in the weeks ahead in order to perform complete analyses.
It is premature to speculate on the health effects of these preliminary results, or any treatment that
may be needed. However, on-site sampling and surveys and environmental monitoring, to date,continue to
support National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC) modeling, which indicates that airborne contamination
was likely at very low levels.
The material for this release event is transuranic radionuclides. The release material was predominantly
americium-241, material which is consistent with the waste disposed of at the WIPP.
This is a radionuclide used in consumer smoke detectors and a contaminant in n
uclear weapons manufacturing.
Determining employee dose typically involves multiple sample analyses to determine employee’s radionuclide
excretion rate over time. This allows the lab to estimate the employee’s accumulated internal dose.
The time this process takes depends largely on the solubility of the inhaled particulate, with less
water-soluble radioactive materials requiring more samples and time to accurately estimate the dose.
Follow-up urine samples may require about three or more weeks to accurately predict dose.
We are now focusing our sampling program on employees with work assignments that may have placed them at
greater risk, including those on shift February 15. We are still reviewing staff assignments to determine
if additional employees will need to be tested. However, employees who feel they were assigned positions
or functions that placed them at risk will be included in follow-up bioassay monitoring at their request.
There is no risk to family or friends of these employees. As we learn more information, we will
continue to share. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 1-800-336-9477.
Thank you. Sincerely,
//signature on file//
Jose R. Franco
, Manager
U.S. Department of Energy–Carlsbad Field Office
www.wipp.energy.gov/Special/CBFO_Mgr_Letter.pdf
Department of Energy
Carlsbad Field Office
P. O. Box 3090
Carlsbad, New Mexico 88221
February 26, 2014
To Eddy and Lea County Residents:
This morning (February26), the 13 Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) employees that were on site
the evening of February 14 were notified that they have tested positive for radiological
contamination. Employees were notified within about 12 hours of the receipt of preliminary sample
results.
At the time of the event, these employees were performing above ground operations, and federal
oversight duties at the WIPP facility. Nuclear Waste Partnership, LLC,the site contractor, requested
that all workers on site the night of the event submit follow-up bioassay samples as they were
considered more likely to have indications of potential exposure.Additional samples will be
collected from these employees in the weeks ahead in order to perform complete analyses.
It is premature to speculate on the health effects of these preliminary results, or any treatment that
may be needed. However, on-site sampling and surveys and environmental monitoring, to date,continue to
support National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC) modeling, which indicates that airborne contamination
was likely at very low levels.
The material for this release event is transuranic radionuclides. The release material was predominantly
americium-241, material which is consistent with the waste disposed of at the WIPP.
This is a radionuclide used in consumer smoke detectors and a contaminant in n
uclear weapons manufacturing.
Determining employee dose typically involves multiple sample analyses to determine employee’s radionuclide
excretion rate over time. This allows the lab to estimate the employee’s accumulated internal dose.
The time this process takes depends largely on the solubility of the inhaled particulate, with less
water-soluble radioactive materials requiring more samples and time to accurately estimate the dose.
Follow-up urine samples may require about three or more weeks to accurately predict dose.
We are now focusing our sampling program on employees with work assignments that may have placed them at
greater risk, including those on shift February 15. We are still reviewing staff assignments to determine
if additional employees will need to be tested. However, employees who feel they were assigned positions
or functions that placed them at risk will be included in follow-up bioassay monitoring at their request.
There is no risk to family or friends of these employees. As we learn more information, we will
continue to share. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact 1-800-336-9477.
Thank you. Sincerely,
//signature on file//
Jose R. Franco
, Manager
U.S. Department of Energy–Carlsbad Field Office
www.wipp.energy.gov/Special/CBFO_Mgr_Letter.pdf